Your Opportunities

In addition to regular classes, students are given a number of other opportunities to dance, should they wish to do more. NOTHING is compulsory although we do hope that children, with suitable encouragement from their teachers and parents, might like to fully explore all avenues.

Examinations
These are arranged under the auspices of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and students are invited to enter only when their teacher considers them to be fully prepared. Students are generally entered in groups and the examiner's aim is to make this an enjoyable experience. However, examinations are entirely optional and a student's progress through the school will not be hindered should he or she decline. Read more >>

Prizegiving
The presentation of examination certificates, together with the school's own special trophies and certificates of merit, is made at our annual prizegiving. This is usually held at the Chelmsford Civic Theatre prior to the start of the school year and is always a happy and popular event. Read more >>

Choreography Competition
Students are given the opportunity to enter our choreographic competition which is held at the beginning of September each year. The winners and runners up are then invited to perform their work at prizegiving.

Mufti-Week
During the week prior to Children In Need students are encouraged to dress up (or down) for their dance classes. A pound (£1) is charged for the privilege and this is donated to this worthwhile charity. Students are also encouraged to bring a friend to join in the fun.

School Show
This is a marvelous opportunity for students to dress up, slap on some make-up and put all that hard work into practice! Everyone is encouraged to take part, from the youngest three-year-old (who, after all, steals the show) to the oldest, most advanced student. Unlike a number of schools we mount a production only every two years. This way the syllabus work receives less interruption and, by taking a whole term to learn the choreography and rehearse the dances, the end result is a polished and professional production of which everyone can be proud. Our next production will be in July 2017.

Chelmsford Ballet Company
Ballet students, working at Grade 3 level, are encouraged to audition for dancing membership of the town's own ballet company. A number of our students perform in the Company's annual production and, drawing on this experience, many go on to further training and a professional career in dance. Read more >>

Other performing opportunities
Over the years the School has been invited to provide students to take part in the productions of visiting professional companies. Those with whom we have danced include Vienna Festival Ballet and the European Ballet Company. Our dancers have also performed in Godspell, Sweeny Todd and The Wizard of Oz as part of the professional season at the Civic Theatre. Easter 2014 saw nearly 50 students take part in Stars of Strictly Come Dancing.

Cecchetti Associates
The Cecchetti (classical ballet) Society holds three classes per term in London for talented children, selected from throughout the UK. A number of children are put forward by the school for audition each year, with fifty per cent being successful at the most recent auditions. Read more >>

Cecchetti Scholars
Scholarships for weekly ballet classes in London are offered to talented students, age 11 plus, and we are delighted that two of our students are currently on the scheme. Read more >>

Competitions
When appropriate, students are invited to take part in prestigious competitions such as the Mabel Ryan Awards (Cecchetti classical ballet), the Star Tap Awards (tap dancing) and the Janet Cram Awards (modern theatre dance).

Vocational Training
Students who want to make dancing their career are offered the relevant advice and opportunities regarding further training. The school has been fortunate to see former students proceed onto a successful career in international cabaret, television and theatre. Read more >>

Miscellaneous

Terms etc

Our Mission

Children, young people and vulnerable adults have the right to participate, have fun and be safe in the services provided for them and the activities they choose, or their parents/carers choose for them. The Weston School is dedicated to providing a safe environment in which its students, whatever their age or ability, can develop and further their talents.